Watariroka Hashiritai – Seishun no Flag (Regular Edition) (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

1. 青春のフラッグ
2. 走り隊 GO! GO! GO!
3. 軟体恋愛クラゲっ娘
4. 青春のフラッグ (Instrumental)
5. 走り隊 GO! GO! GO!  (Instrumental)
6. 軟体恋愛クラゲっ娘  (Instrumental)

Watariroka Hashiritai, the group consisting of five AKB48 members Mayu Watanabe, Natsumi Hirajima, Haruka Nakagawa, Aika Oota and Ayaka Kikuchi, have won over a legion of fans with their cute, idol pop sound.

Their last single “AkKanbe Bashi” earned the group their first Oricon Single #1 ranking and now the group are back with their fifth CD single “Seishun no Flag” (which translates to “Youth Flag”).

While the single did not reach #1 on the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking chart (it debuted at #4), the single is the best selling Watariroka Hashiritai single thus far!

Like previous Watariroka Hashiritai singles, there will be a total of four versions available.  Each of the three types will come with the same three vocal and instrumental tracks but also a DVD.   There will also be a regular edition which comes with all three vocal and instrumental tracks but with no DVD.  There will also be a special DVD only release featuring various versions of “Seishun no Flag”.

The version I will be reviewing is the regular edition, which features all five members sitting together and inside bi-fold with lyrics and production credits.  Included is a mini-flyer for AKB48 TeamOg and a “Seishun no Flag Ship” Premium Event mini-flyer.

The first single on the single kicks of with “Seishun no Flag”, an upbeat idol pop track that is a positive song about one working hard with sweat and tears trying to achieve their goal no matter how difficult it may be.  But as one holds their flag of youth, they proceed to the goal which is on the top of the mountain and they will keep trying no matter what.

The second single is “Hashiritai! GO! GO! GO!” is a happy cheer song that was created for the fans and to get them cheering loudly and celebrate for the group during a performance.   And the song is pretty much about stomping on your feet, clapping your hands and cheering and loudly as possible.

The third track is titled “Nantai Renai Kuragekko” (which translates to “Delicate Little Jellyfish of Love”) and is a solo track sung by Mayu Watanabe.  The  idol track is about a girl who is in love, going to the beach and being held by her boyfriend and kissing.  And singing about how her body is soft and that she is delicate.

The remaining three tracks are the instrumental versions of each vocal track.

Overall, “Seishun no Flag” (Regular edition) is a fun, cute and cheerful pop single from Watariroka Hashiritai. You get two upbeat tracks with the group and one solo track sung by Mayuyu.  While I do prefer the singles to come with the DVD’s for the bonus content, for those who just want a positive, hopeful idol single will enjoy the much cheaper regular edition of “Seishun no Flag”.

If you are a fan of Watarirouka Hashiritai, “Seishun no Flag” (Regular Edition) is recommended!

BUY THIS CD SINGLE from cdjapan.com:

Sesun no Flag [Regular Edition]

Watari Roka Hashiri Tai